Four Vancouver chefs compete in S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy finals in Toronto this October
Jungun Yang, Tengis Battur, Jakub Jicnsky, and Yash Mhadguy are among Canada's emerging culinary talents, each bringing their own heritage and vision to fine dining.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Four Vancouver chefs have been selected as finalists in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026, placing them among Canada's top emerging culinary talents under 30. The competition is recognized globally as a platform for chefs to showcase innovation, craftsmanship, and personal vision.
Jungun Yang draws inspiration from his Korean roots and West Coast life. Growing up in Busan and now cooking in Vancouver, Yang uses oysters, sablefish, geoduck, and kim to express the relationship between Korean heritage and the Pacific Northwest, combining French and West Coast techniques to tell the story of his journey between two coastal cultures.
Tengis Battur's cooking draws on Mongolia's nomadic traditions. Working in fine dining in Canada, Battur carries the values of his nomadic heritage into every kitchen, adapting to new environments and learning from different cultures while remaining connected to his roots.
Jakub Jicnsky is inspired by Caribbean flavours, describing bold yet comforting tastes that tell stories of family gatherings and cultural pride. Yash Mhadguy, who works in the kitchen of beloved Vancouver restaurant Kavita, elevates familiar South Indian flavours — amti, sol kadhi, wada kokum, and seafood — into contemporary fine-dining expressions that celebrate heritage, memory, and sustainability.
All four finalists will travel to Toronto this October to compete for Canada's representative spot at the international Grand Finale in Milan, Italy.
Good to know
Who are the four Vancouver chefs competing in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy finals?
Jungun Yang, Tengis Battur, Jakub Jicnsky, and Yash Mhadguy are the four Vancouver chefs selected as finalists in the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2026.
Where will the Canadian finals take place?
The four finalists will compete in Toronto this October.
What is Yash Mhadguy's culinary focus?
Yash Mhadguy, who works at Vancouver restaurant Kavita, elevates South Indian flavours including amti, sol kadhi, wada kokum, and seafood into contemporary fine-dining expressions that celebrate heritage, memory, and sustainability.
